Longtime Public Works Director Terminated In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — Matthew Kott has been appointed as the Acting Public Works Director, Mayor Lauren Garrett announced on Monday.

Kott replaces longtime Public Works Director Craig Cesare, who had served in the role since he was appointed by former Mayor Scott Jackson in 2011.

Kott has a Masters of Science in Aerospace Engineering and “brings 15 years of experience as a project manager for defense contractors, and discipline and determination acquired from serving in the Corps of Engineers in the U.S. Army,” according to a news release from the mayor’s office.

“Mr. Kott has managed large scale projects with a union workforce and requirements for detailed documentation,” the news release states. “Mr. Kott will bring to fruition Mayor Garrett’s vision of a modernized public works department and create a municipal maintenance plan that provides direction for employees while notifying Hamden residents of expected work in their neighborhood. Mr. Kott understands Hamden’s municipal workforce should reflect the diversity that exists in Hamden.

“Mayor Garrett thanks outgoing Public Works Director, Craig Cesare, for his years of service to Hamden and wishes him well with his new endeavors.”

Cesare was notified of his termination in a letter from the mayor’s office on Friday, Dec. 3, according to the New Haven Register.

The Register reported Cesare was asked to return his town vehicle by 4 p.m. that day and turn in his keys, cell phone and identification card to various town employees. He was also told his personal items would be mailed to him, or he could contact the personnel department on Tuesday to retrieve them, according to the Register.

Read more at the New Haven Register here.